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View synonyms for potlatch
potlatch
[ pot-lach ]
noun
- (among Indigenous people of the northern Pacific coast, especially the Kwakiutl) a ceremonial festival at which gifts are bestowed on the guests and property is destroyed by its owner in a show of wealth that the guests later attempt to surpass.
- Pacific Northwest. a party or celebration.
potlatch
/ ˈpɒtˌlætʃ /
noun
- anthropol a competitive ceremonial activity among certain North American Indians, esp the Kwakiutl, involving a lavish distribution of gifts and the destruction of property to emphasize the wealth and status of the chief or clan
- informal.a wild party or revel
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Word History and Origins
Origin of potlatch1
First recorded in 1835–45; from Chinook Jargon pátlač, páλač, from Nuu-chah-nulth (Nootka) p̉aλp̉a- (reduplication of p̉a- “make ceremonial gifts in potlatch”) + -č suffix marking iterative aspect
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Word History and Origins
Origin of potlatch1
C19: from Chinook, from Nootka patshatl a giving, present
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Example Sentences
Potlatch is a wonderful day for children, a glorious introduction to the science of economics.
From Project Gutenberg
Costly entertainments, such as the potlatch or the ball, are peculiarly adapted to serve this end.
From Project Gutenberg
Feed up th' dogs,' says he, 'an' in two shlapes, we'll hav' th' biggest potlatch in th' histhry av th' thribe.
From Project Gutenberg
As the time approached, many canoes were on the Bay, headed by a joyous crowd going to the potlatch.
From Project Gutenberg
No one can be sure of closing his bargain, until the terms are duly arranged, the potlatch given, and the horse delivered.
From Project Gutenberg
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